Month: February 2011

In the followup to Counting Numbers Version #1, this set once again ascends from 1 to 19 while serving up cuts from various sections of the crates. Never thought I’d throw together a mixtape with the likes of The Ducky Boys, Public Enemy, The Mercenaries, RA Scion, Choking Victim, Shel Silverstein, Big Rube, Rancid, and Prince Heron among others on the same reel. Here it is though, so dig the diverse vibes.

Coming on 15th March is latest release from Quantic and his Combo BarbÃ¡ro. The 12″ EP features cuts from the incredible Tradition in Transition album which have been remixed by the likes of Daedelus, Computer Jay, Cut Chemist, DJ Day, and J-Boogie. Most definitely gonna be on the lookout for this platter along with the…

Here are some tunes I was bumpin’ last weekend while ridin’ on the Seatran ferry from Nathon, Koh Samui to Don Sak, Surat Thani, and on the Panthip bus from Don Sak to Don Sai, Phang Nga. You can find me makin’ this round on the regular and it provides ample time for listening sessions.…

Americans generally like to hear good news. They like to believe that a new president will right old wrongs, that clean energy will replace dirty oil and that fresh thinking will set the economy straight. American pundits tend to restrain their pessimism and hope for the best. But is anyone prepared for the worst? Meet…

This piece of wax has been hella elusive since its release last year. While nearly all the other “Funk Experience” albums from Nascente have come across my path, this one never did, and, of course, it was the one I wanted the most. Finally, here it is! Enjoy the Cumbia, Salsa, Palenque and other funky…

Incredibly groovy and well-crafted Afro-beat tunes from this nine-piece outfit that hails from Lisbon, Portugal. Afro-beat music may come from Nigeria, but its infectious riddims surely have traveled the globe and found a home among this crew from The Gentle Land. Cacique’97 – Cacique’97; Footmovin’ Records, 2009

The Blue Greens is Dave Hillyard’s, tenor saxophonist extraordinaire from The Slackers, side project that focuses on Jazz meets Blues vibes. Not of the smoothed out variety, but more rockin’ and swingin’. The group consists of Rolf Langsjoen on trumpet, Simon Chardiet on guitar and vocals, Arturo Baguer on bass, Danny Fisher on drums and,…

Cool crooner Courtney John sets the mood for this day with his 45 from last year titled “Love Is”, a killer version of The Melodians “You Don’t Need Me” riddim. Love is the one thing that is never out of season!

Following their release to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Groove Merchant Record Store in San Francisco, Ubiquity has just put out this limited-edition record case along with a set of 10 seven inches. Read about the details here and watch below how The Key Printing and Binding in Oakland made them. [vimeo]http://vimeo.com/19715317[/vimeo] Adrian Quesada,…

Ancient Astronauts are certified ill in my book and their latest platter only reinforces that thought. My goodness, they destroyed the beats on this one and laced beautiful rhymes and vocals on top to complete an amazing album. Only two listens in and can’t wait to digest this more as it’ll certainly be in the…

It was the July 28th, 1979 when The Specials first appeared on the U.K. singles chart. The record was “Gangsters” and it spent 12 weeks on the charts, eventually reaching #6. At the end of August that year, “The Prince” by Madness was released, it spent 11 weeks on the charts and reached #16. The…

Geraldo Pino (aka Gerald Pine) is one of the hidden heroes of African popular music. A singer, guitarist and bandleader from Sierra Leone, he had a major influence on the burgeoning Soul/Funk/Afro-beat scene in West Africa during the 1960s and 70s. He made a huge impression on the young Fela Kuti who praised him effusively,…

Dope debut dish from the French musician known as Blundetto. The set features the likes of Shawn Lee, Tommy Guerrero, the Budos Band’s horn section, Lateef the Truth Speaker, Chico Mann, General Elektriks and Hindi Zahra. Chilled-out Soul, funky Jazz licks, Reggae vibes and simply smokin’ throughout. If you overlooked this one, then you’re in…